Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) 2026: The "Day 1" Rights Update
1. Overview: The End of the Lower Earnings Limit
On April 6, 2026, the rules for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) underwent their most radical change in decades. The government removed the "Lower Earnings Limit" (LEL), meaning that millions of low-paid workers who were previously excluded from sick pay are now eligible from their first day of work.Whether you work 2 hours a week or 40, you now have a legal right to financial support when you are too ill to work.
2. Key Changes in 2026
2.1 Removal of the Earnings Threshold
Previously, you had to earn at least £123 per week (the LEL) to qualify for SSP.- New 2026 Rule: There is no minimum earnings requirement. Even if you earn £10 a week, your employer must pay you SSP.
- Impact: This primarily benefits those on zero-hours contracts, part-time workers, and those with multiple small jobs.
2.2 Day 1 Eligibility (Removal of Waiting Days)
The 2026 reform also removed the "3 Waiting Days" rule for most workers.- Previous Rule: You only got paid from the 4th day of sickness.
- New Rule: You are paid from the first day of your sickness, provided you have been ill for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days).
3. How Much is SSP in 2026?
The standard rate of SSP for the 2026/27 financial year is £116.75 per week.- Pro-Rata Rule: For very low earners (those who earn less than the weekly SSP rate), the payment is capped at a percentage of their average weekly earnings (typically 80-90% depending on the specific contract type) to ensure "sick pay" doesn't exceed "work pay."
- Duration: SSP is paid for up to 28 weeks.
4. How to Claim SSP
4.1 Notifying Your Employer
You must notify your employer that you are sick within their deadline (or within 7 days if they don't have one). You can "self-certify" for the first 7 days.4.2 The "Fit Note" (Med 3)
After 7 days of sickness, you must provide a "Fit Note" from a doctor or authorized healthcare professional (like a nurse, pharmacist, or physiotherapist). In 2026, these are almost always issued digitally and sent directly to your phone.5. Interaction with Universal Credit
SSP is counted as "unearned income" for Universal Credit.- The 55% Taper: For every £1 of SSP you receive, your Universal Credit will reduce by 55p.
- Net Benefit: Even though your UC reduces, you are still better off receiving SSP because you keep 45p of every pound compared to receiving no income at all.
6. What if My Employer Refuses to Pay?
If your employer says you don't qualify because you "don't earn enough," they are likely following the old rules. 1. Show them the 2026 Guidance: Point them to the removal of the Lower Earnings Limit. 2. Request Form SSP1: If they still refuse, they must give you form SSP1 explaining why. 3. Contact HMRC: You can ask HMRC's statutory payment dispute team to make a formal decision. Call 0300 322 9422.7. Summary Checklist
- [ ] Notify your employer on the first day of sickness.
- [ ] Check your payslip to ensure SSP is paid at the 2026 rate (£116.75/week or pro-rata).
- [ ] Obtain a digital Fit Note if you are off for more than 7 days.
- [ ] Update your Universal Credit Journal to report your change in income.
- [ ] If you have multiple jobs, you can claim SSP from each employer.